Buon Natale, da Italia!

MERRY MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Well, Christmas Eve, actually,
but close enough. :)

Cristina and I spent the whole entire morning baking Christmas cookies!!

And I am happy to report that it's finally feeling a little bit more like Christmas to me. :)

After a morning of baking and decorating cookies, how could it not!?

(Michael Bublé and the Glee Cast may have helped out a bit too...)

MmMmMmM cookies!!

(That one on the right down below is just not feelin' the xmas love I guess...)

And maybe the weather has something to do with it...who knows.

It's raining in Nettuno today,
crossing my fingers that it gets cold enough tonight to snow!!!
How cool would that be!?
To wake up to snow on Christmas morning??
That would be a first for me.
But also kinda hoping it doesn't,
because I already can't feel my fingers!!
(And my feet sometimes too...)
I know that for those of us originating from the sunshine state,
(more specifically sunny-so-cal...)
what we consider "weather" refers to a light rainstorm,
the very occasional thunderstorm,
with the temp never going below about 45.
Lowest.
I didn't even know what below 45 degrees felt like.

I DO NOW.
Holy guacamole...
I have ripped apart and stomped on my previous definition of weather.
Ya. I think I am qualified to redefine it now.
You know in that movie "Under the Tuscan Sun",
when the main character has to ride out her first night in her new house in a ridiculous storm that seems crazy supernatural and only possible in the movies?
It's completely possible.
Just like I didn't know what "real" pasta tasted like before I came to Italy,
I have recently learned that I didn't know what a "real" storm was before now also.
I have never heard thunder so loud. EVER.
I'm talking like, rattle your bones,
feel it in your blood,
all the way into your spine,
LOUD.

Last Sunday, I took a trip into Rome because I wanted to visit a market.
Porta Portese.
It's the BIGGEST market in Rome.
Held every Sunday.
And they literally have anything and everything you could ever possibly need.
It's pretty incredible.
But anyways,
so I left the house very early to catch an early train to Rome.
When I left the house,
clouds were looming, but it hadn't started raining yet.

But by the time I reached the end of Cristina's street,
my boots were soaked through to my socks.
Any normal person would have probably turned around and headed home at that point...
but I guess I had my crazy hat on that day,
and I kept going.
 I was seriously determined to get to this market.
Then, literally within about 3 minutes,
I saw a bolt of lightning...
obviously quickly followed by my new noisy BFF.
Louder than ever.
And as if it could get any worse...
because I seriously thought it couldn't,
it started hailing.
Yup. That happened.
You can choose to believe this, or not,
but I kept going.

I couldn't feel my feet,
my cheap American umbrella was barely holding up,
and I couldn't even count "one Mississippi" in between the lightning and thunder.
I was literally trekking through the middle of a storm.
I found myself singing this song in my head-
Bob Marley: Three Little Birds.
Repeating over and over,
"Don't worry about a thing,
'cause every little thing is gonna be alright."
I think at one point I literally thought I was going to die.
I was convinced that I was going to get struck by lightning and shrivel up in the street.

But, luckily, for you all, I survived.
So you all still get to hear my ridiculous stories! :) ha.
And when I arrived in Rome, there was no rain, lightning, thunder, or hail to be found!
Don't know quite how that worked out,
but those kinds of things are best left unquestioned.

And, the market ended up being totally worth it!
I made it outta there with a bunch of superSECRETchristmasPRESENTS!
hehehe :)



Another reason it was worth it-
we saw a fight!!!
YA!
It was pretty wild! And just the slightest bit scary. But mostly cool.
(I think that I may be just a bit jaded to public fights after seeing more bar fights than I can count.)

Aaaaalright, well on that note...
I'm going to cut this blog short,
because it's Christmas Eve,
and I'm sure you all have much more important things to do.
Like preparing topics other than the weather to talk about with your in-laws.
As for me,
I'm going to go listen to some more Michael Bublé.
How can you not get in the Christmas spirit while listening to his x-mas album!?
I knew there was a reason it has been at iTunes #1 album spot for the past month.
Also, I need brainstorm ways to stretch out my stomach so that I can eat non-stop for the next four days!! Muahahaha :)

So, I'll leave you all with just a few photos to recap the week:

Cri showing her goose some love.

She asked me if I wanted to pet it,

so I did.

But the whole time I was shakin' in my boots because I thought the thing was gonna turn and peck my face off.

I went back to that delicious trattoria that I ate at during my first few days in Rome,

unfortunately I didn't see my rich friend there this time ;).

But I ordered some heavenly gnocci that I probably would have sold my soul for.

So it was worth it.

It was Cristina's sister's birthday this week!

Cristina made a delicious cake and decorated it,

it was the star of the show.

Her sister's husband Emiliano was some stiff competition though.

The whole gang.

Oh ya! And I got my vin brulé!!

That lady from last time was there again,

and she was just a big of a bitch this time as last time.

('Scuse my French)

I, again, politely asked for the vin brulé.

"You want what???"

She smirked,

acting like she had no idea what I was asking for.

I said vin brulé again, and pointed to the huge barrel front of me.

"HOT WINE!?" 

She yelled.

"YESSSSS!!"

I screamed back.

She got the picture.

And I got my vin brulé. :)

Despite the near freezing temperatures,

I have still managed to make my way to the beach quite often.

Watching the waves and watching the sunset,

with the whole beach to myself.

 Brings peaceful to a whole new level.

And I think the geese are finally starting to like me.

They sit outside my room all day,

pecking at the glass and

 pooping outside my door.

A true sign of affection.

Ok friends,

I'm off to go stuff my face with delicious Italian Christmas food and treats for the next four days.

I hope you all are having a lovely, splendid holiday.

Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

See you in 2012!!

xoxo

AT

Escapades in Napoli and Christmas at the Colosseum

I SURVIVED NAPOLI!!!

I think that I deserve a t-shirt for it.

You know,

like those shirts that they sold when the Northridge earthquake hit?

The ones that said "I survived the Northridge Quake"...

only it would say:

"I survived Napoli, 2011!"

If you have ever been to Naples, 

you know what I mean.

My experience in Napoli can be summed up like this:

from the second I stepped off the train into the station,

I felt like I needed a shower.

I could literally feel dirt particles attaching themselves to my skin and soaking into my pores.

And the smell....

was like nothing I have ever smelled.

A mix of delicious food and ocean air,

masked by car exhaust, cigarette smoke, body odor, and a few other unidentifiable smells.

I didn't have many expectations heading to Naples,

but I definitely wasn't expecting that.

Also, I was warned by Cristina and her friends immediately as we stepped off the train,

to be very, very careful of my personal belongings.

This I had expected,

as I have heard and read that Naples can be a bit dodgy in that way.

Ok, so aside from those few minor details, 

Naples was great! 

Immediately upon arriving, we headed straight to a local Pasticceria,

where Cristina had me try a typical Neapolitan pastry:

Baba- a rum soaked pastry.

When I say soaked, I mean literally soaked.

Don't get me wrong, it was beyond delicious,

but I couldn't get the taste of rum out of my mouth for hours.

Then, after meeting up with some of Cristina's long lost cousins,

we all journeyed on to a magnificent castle, by the sea.

This castle has been standing since the year 1279!!!!

The architecture was incredible, 

and I couldn't believe how beautiful all of the detailed carvings were.

However, we didn't go past the entryway...

entering into the castle would cost you 7 Euro...

and I was with a large group of Italians...

need I say more?

Apparently some people don't appreciate beautiful architecture as much as I do.

Look at this huge hole in this beautiful door.

One of the rowdy tourists must have been really pissed when he found out he had to pay to get in...

haha JK. 

It was probably a cannon or something. ;)

We stopped to look around this beautiful glass ceilinged building.

There was a christmas tree with tons of Christmas wish lists hung all around it.

 They all said things like "world peace", or "end world hunger"...

I'm kidding.

I couldn't read them...duh! They were written in Italian.

But they probably said things like

"I want a Wii", or "I want my geese to lay eggs."

I thought this photo deserved to be blown up to the "extra-large" size.

I think you'll agree.

Naples is surrounded by beautiful harbors,

and Mt. Vesuvius.

Wikipedia says that Mt. Vesuvius is considered "one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world"...

maybe I should tell that to the people who built their houses at the bottom of it...?

And what would a trip to Napoli be without PIZZA!

I ordered the "Champignon", with Mushrooms, tomatoes, mozzerella, and basil.

Without a doubt the best pizza I have ever had, ever.

And I will have you know that I ate EVERY LAST BITE of that pizza.

After our pizza we strolled outside to be greeted by this beautiful sunset.

And here is another beautiful harbor.

After taking this photo I realized that Naples must be truly beautiful,

because I can't take a decent photo to save my life,

but all of my photos from this trip somehow turned out looking quite amazing.

And OH! I almost forgot!

The whole reason for our trip Napoli in the first place!!

These were quite a sight.

Each year there is a Christmas market in Naples,

where hundreds of vendors and thousands of people gather.

They hand-craft and sell these intricate nativity scenes.

It is truly an extraordinary sight.

They are much more than just a common nativity scene you can find in the US.

They are carefully thought out and put together,

with the objective of representing not only the Catholic Christmas story,

but also Italian culture as a whole.

In addition to the complete sets,

they sell individual pieces,

so that families can collect them over time and put together their own scene each year.

This is the massive crowd that gathered while we were there.

In the narrow streets of Napoli,

at points it became so jam-packed that we were literally being moved through the crowd by the force of people pushing us from all angles.

Definitely one of the most claustrophobic spaces I have ever been in.

And this?

This, is struffoli!!

Another Neapolitan recipe,

but Cristina insisted that her mother's recipe

 was much better than the 4 Euro plates they sold on the streets of Naples,

so, we patiently waited until returned home to try hers.

And I must say, it was just as delicious as it looks!!

So, that pretty much sums up our trip to Napoli!

I think it's safe to say that I got a goooood taste of Neapolitan culture...

enough to linger on my clothes from the day for at least a couple of weeks.

Yesterday I spent a beautiful day in Rome!

After a few days of off and on rain, 

I was confident enough in the weather forecast that the sun would be a'shining! 

(Although as I am discovering, the weather forecast is only accurate about 50% of the time...)

I arrived in Rome around lunch time,

but before I tended to the needs of my hungry stomach,

I was bound and determined to see the Pantheon.

Here's what happened...

after some slight confusion on the Metro,

(i.e. took the wrong line, in the wrong direction...

there's only two lines btw...so I had a 50/50 shot)

I was walking,

walking,

walking...

passed some cool ivy...

and then...

BAM!!

There is was!!

No directions,

no maps, 

just walking, 

until out of nowhere it just...appeared.

It was prettttty amazing.

Here's the hole in the ceiling...

where according to Cristina,

it never rains.

I'm convinced there is glass over it,

but she says she knows for a fact that there isn't.

So, I guess it's just magic, or something?

After I had basked in enough victory of my accomplishment of finding the Pantheon,

I went to the nearby Piazza Navona,

where they have a festive Christmas market,

candy,

games,

and this-

Vin Brule!

(Mulled wine)

But (just my luck) when I asked the woman behind the counter for a glass,

she loudly proclaimed:

"We don't have that!"

Then why are you advertising it lady!?

That's what I wanted to say...

But instead, disappointed and confused, I said "OK?",

and was on my way.

When it finally came time to tend to my stomach,

I wandered into a restaurant nearby,

and was surprised when I sat down and saw this.

(Thought you would appreciate that mama!) :)

The restaurant did not have the name advertised on the outside,

so it was solely by chance that I picked a restaurant with "Coco" in it's name.

Funny how these things happen in life, huh?

After lunch I wandered around Roman neighborhoods for hours,

in and out of the coolest stores,

hidden jems, you could say.

I found a neighborhood full of vintage thrift shops!

And, as you can imagine, felt the overwhelming need to buy at least one thing,

so that I could brag that I bought it at a vintage shop in Rome!

So, I settled on a beautiful, silk scarf.

It was a bargian too,

only 10 Euro!

Quickly after leaving the store,

I pulled my scarf out to admire my purchase,

only to find that as I looked a little closer,

there were coffee stains on it! :(

Yes, disappointment had struck for the second time that day.

But, I decided not to take the scarf back.

I just sucked it up and thought,

"well, at least its Italian coffee!"

:)

Finally, as the day was winding down,

and I could barely feel my legs anymore from walking for 6 straight hours,

I managed to make it to the Colosseum just in time to see this...

The sun setting over the Colosseum.

After my last visit, I didn't think the Colosseum could get any more beautiful...

but man was I wrong.

It almost doesn't look real!!

Never in a million years did I imagine that I would be watching the sun set over the Colosseum at Christmas time...

I wish I could teleport all my family and friends to this moment.

It was so magical. :)

I took the train home with Cristina at the end of the day,

and, of course, had one last funny thing happen.

The train was very, very crowded,

so Cristina and I were sitting in separate aisles, but nearby.

As she got up to get off the train

(she exited a few stops ahead of me because she rode her bike to a different train stop that day),

she quickly mentioned something to me about waffles...

not quite sure where the thought came from,

but she said that she was told that American waffles are gross.

I quickly came to the defense of one of my favorite foods,

and said something like,

"you just haven't tried the right ones!"

She agreed, and before exiting the train made a quick comment about a man's iPhone, 

who was sitting next to me.

"I don't like..", she said, with a funny look on her face.

I laughed a little, and then she left.

Immediately after, 

the man sitting next to me turned to me and said in fluent English,

"I don't think she meant to insult your waffles..."

!!!

I started laughing, and said,

"Actually, I think she did! But I don't take it personally!"

I was laughing on the inside and out,

first because of his comment about the waffles,

and second because Cristina had just insulted his phone right in front of him...hahaha.

(Although I'm not entirely sure he caught on to that one...)

Anyways, we got to talking,

and he told me that he is British, living in Anzio (the next town over from Nettuno),

and has moved here to be with his Italian girlfriend.

(So romantic!)

He was very nice, and it was so nice to be able to talk with someone in plain English, 

without having any communicative confusion.

It was truly like a breath of fresh air.

So, that was that.

We said "see ya round!", and he was off.

So, my dear family and friends,

on that note,

I hope that you all take a moment today to appreciate that you don't have to worry about a language barrier between you and the barista at your coffee shop,

or the grocery store clerk,

or even your dog.

Because trust me,

your native language is one of those things that you don't appreciate,

 until nobody around you speaks it!

So my friends,

until my next awkward encounter...

Peace, love, and (delicious Neapolitan) Pizza!!!!

<3 Arrivederci!

A Few Words of 23-year-old Wisdom

This week has been a rough one for me, 

not going to tip-toe around that one.

Homesickness has fully set in, 

and I have been doing everything possible to keep busy.

Luckily the weather has been cooperative,

and I have been able to get out of the house and keep busy.

I have discovered that running is truly crucial to keeping my mind at peace,

while I am battling this nasty bout of homesickness.

It is also a huge help that the beach is near, making beach runs totally doable.

Reminds me of home. 

The other day we walked along the beach as a storm was coming in, 

and as the sun was setting.

I swear, that damn tarp was not there when I took the photo...

or maybe it was? :-D 

And this was definitely a sight I had never seen before...

Mini tornado/water-funnel?

Whatever you want to call it...

it was pretty cool,

and just the slightest bit terrifying.

Today, post storm, I decided to run to the beach,

and was very, very surprised to see about 50 or more guys out on the water..."surfing"!

Up until now, every time I have been to the beach here, it has literally been like a lake.

I thought that there was no way I would ever see anyone attempt to surf it.

But today, with the stormy waters still churning,

I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw all the surfers and could smell the familiar scent of surf wax.

So, needless to say, I took a little break from my run to sit and "observe" ;).

Regardless of the surfers' abilities, or lack there of, 

to surf the mess of what I suppose you could call "waves",

it still felt amazing to just sit and listen to the waves and pass the time.

It was another one of those times when home didn't feel quite so far away.

Also, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Nettuno!

Another beautiful sunset, complemented by someone's oversized Christmas tree ;).

If you look really closely, you can see the star at the top! (haha...juuust kidding)

Also last week, I ventured to Rome to meet a new friend,

Laura, from Germany.

We spent the day in Rome together, beginning at the Colloseum,

and then wandering the nearby streets.

The inside of the Colosseum was just as spectacular as the google images. ;)

But seriously, it is mind-blowing to me that this structure has been standing for thousands of years.

It is truly one of those moments where you can't help but think,

"if these walls could talk...".

And I would love to know the story behind this fountain...

Because, 

call me crazy, 

but I just don't understand what on earth it could possibly be representing!?

Naked Mer-men is all I could gather.

Maybe I should google it.

This is my new friend, Laura!

We passed this candy shop, and both being chocolate lovers,

just couldn't resist.

Unfortunately, we only made it about three bites into that oh-so-appetizing chocolate snowball,

before we both looked at each other with disgusted looks on our faces,

equally disappointed in our purchase.

I don't know what was in that deceiving chocolate snowball,

but sadly, it just was not as delectable as it led on.

Finally, last week, as I already mentioned,

 I took my first solo trip into Rome.

Up until now, I had visited Rome only during those first couple of days after I arrived, 

and once with Cristina.

Up until now, I had only ventured out alone in Nettuno,

not straying far from the town center, and Cristina's house.

But this time was different. 

I was venturing out on my own,

into the thick of a huge city,

to meet someone I had never met before,

not even 100% sure if I was on the right train or not.

It's not that I was sacred to adventure on my own,

it's just that I was lacking a little bit of confidence.

But I knew, deep down, that sooner or later (preferably sooner),

I was going to need to take that first step, and step out into the world,

truly, on my own.

This is a situation that we all encounter at some point in our lives.

For some, it is much easier to take these steps towards independence,

almost like it comes naturally.

For others (cough, ME, cough), this is something does not come quite as easily,

and really, really, needs to be actively worked at.

Well, let me tell you, the second I stepped onto that train,

and as it left the station,

(and don't worry, it was the right train)

a strange feeling came over me, 

one that was very unfamiliar to me.

A sense of invigorating anticipation and excitement.

And then, I had a very important realization: 

I realized that up until this point in my life, 

the only other emotion that I have felt alongside anticipation is anxiety.

A sense of fear, and dread of the unexpected.

For reasons I may never know,

thinking and talking about the future has always made me want to stuff cotton balls in my ears,

and run as fast as possible in the opposite direction.

A feeling of pure dread.

Obviously, we all know that the future holds a sense of uncertainty,

perhaps even confusion and doubt,

and that there are countless risks involved in planning and making important decisions.

But what I haven't been able to realize,

all this time,

is that everybody feels these things.

And that the difference between those who sit back and let life happen,

versus the people who actually live, and actively participate in life,

depends completely on this.

Learning to look past the anxiety caused by uncertainty about the future,

and instead,

becoming able to feel truly invigorated by the uncertainty.

Some of you might be reading this,

thinking that this is silly,

because you already are an active participant in your own life.

And you may very well be right.

But for those of you who think you might understand what I am talking about,

I am urging you to take a second look.

Do something that truly causes you to feel some sense of uncertainty.

Really, really, take a step outside your comfort zone.

You might find that you are actually just letting life happen.

And if you do, in fact, find that to be the case,

do something different. 

Change.

So, as I am sitting here,

watching the sun set once again on this beautiful town of Nettuno,

I can't help but remember that this journey, and life for that matter,

is a never ending process.

Growth can really only happen when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones.

Even if it is little by little,

it is something we cannot forget to do.

Otherwise, we risk becoming the old, wrinkled, bitter, angry neighbor that yells at the neighbor kids when they play on your lawn.

Do you really want to be the grandparent that nobody wants to be around?

Because I sure don't.

Well, now that I've practically let you all in on the workings of my brain,

and shared my yoda-like wisdom and life secrets,

I hope that you don't find a way to somehow use it against me.

I guess that's just another risk I will have to take thought, right? ;)

And OH! I almost forgot!

Talk about taking a step outside comfort zones!!

My own Mother, yes, the one and only Coco,

has (without anyone pushing her) decided to come visit me!!

Accompanied by my fabulous aunt Margie, the pair will be venturing to Italia in the end of January,

and returning home with me on Febuary 8th. 

This news could not possibly have come at a better time for me,

and I am already counting down the days where I get to see their beautiful faces!

It is going to be spectacular, simply spectacular.

I have to say, that I think I might just have THE BEST family in the world.

Sorry everybody else, mine wins.

Alright my friends, family, and whoever is in Alaska reading my blog,

I'm over and out.

Until next time...

Peace, Love, and Pasta!!!

(or this incredibly delicious fresh Zucchini and Bell Pepper Risotto that I made for myself yesterday!!! YUMMMMMM)

Ciao!!

xoxo

Where There's a Will, There's a Way

Well, everyone, I found Jesus.

The Baby Jesus, actually.

"Gesu Bambino."

Literally.

Last week, I participated in a religious pilgrimage, 

of sorts.

It was quite the experience.

And I know you are just DYING to see the Baby Jesus, right?

Ok, well I won't keep him from you for any longer.

There he is.

The Baby Jesus.

For those of you who know me, you know that I am not exactly "religious".

I don't have any problems or judgements on those who are.

In fact, I have a lot of respect for people who have religious faith,

I just have never been one of them.

For me, religion is like football-

Something I have tried to understand time, and time again,

but I just can't get a clean grasp on it.
I just have never been able to connect with any religion in a strong way.

That being said,

I was miffed by this whole scenario.

Every day, THOUSANDS of people travel to this sanctuary,

located high in the mountains of Italy, virtually in the middle of nowhere.

Where they come to wait in line for HOURS,

to kneel and pray in front of the Baby Jesus.

Cristina says they are praying for miracles,

and that it is reported that they often happen.

(As in, somebody who is very ill and unable to walk can suddenly walk again.)

I'll give you a better idea of just how big of a deal this is...

This was very, very, interesting to me.

All of these people, coming together, and coming to this place,

all for the same reason.

Praying for a miracle.

You can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, they will find what they are looking for.

As foreign as this experience was to me,

this is the kind of thing I came here for.

To open my eyes to other people's culture, and lives.
Obviously, I knew that religion, Catholicism in particular,
is a very big part of Italian culture.
I was just unaware of how important it is to some people.
Cristina and I talked a little bit about it together,
and while she is of the Catholic faith,
she does not believe as strongly as most Italians.
Luckily, she is very accepting of me and my religion, or lack there of,
and asks me questions with an open mind about what I do, or don't believe.
It was surprising to me that she was unaware that in the U.S. religion is not taught in public schools.
Not everybody is so accepting of my indifferent attitude towards religion though, I am finding,
so it may just be in my own best interest to keep my mouth shut from here on out.

Needless to say,

though I am not entirely sure yet what I may have gained from this experience,

one thing I am certain of is that I will never, ever forget it.

That I am sure of.

Speaking of unforgettable moments, there is no doubt in my mind that this one will be in the top 10 of unforgettable life moments...

After a long day in Rome with Cristina, working out logistics for her new job,

walking, waiting...walking, waiting...and some more waiting...

she rewarded me with a trip to the Colosseum!

We took the metro to get there, and if there was a way I could have captured this moment for you, I would have. But it was simply one of those moments where words and pictures just don't do it justice.

As we exited the metro station, through the chaos of Italians going about their daily lives,

there it was. Impossible to miss.

Imagine walking out of the subway station, and being welcomed by this magnificent sight,

less than 50 yards from where we were standing. 

It literally stopped me in my tracks. 

Cristina looked at me, with my jaw dropped and smiled.

"Beautiful!" she said, "Even after seeing it 100 times, it's like every time is the first time."

So, we walked around the Colosseum for a while,

taking in it's beauty, and incredible history.

All the while trying to avoid the creepy half-naked "gladiators" trying to woo us into giving them money to have them tell us some hokey story.

No thanks, I have Wikipedia for that.

In the areas around the Colosseum there are many other amazing ruins, and museums, 

and breathtaking sights.

Reluctantly, I will share my corny thoughts with you-

The whole time we were exploring the area, I couldn't help but think of all the history,

the ancient Romans who stood where I was standing.

Ruling one of the most amazing empires to ever exist.

Corny, I know.

But you know that you would be thinking the same things...

it's hard not to.

There are beautiful horses all around Rome,

anxiously awaiting to take unassuming tourists on a horse and carriage ride around this beautiful city.

(Though I have yet to actually see one in action...)

Another exciting excursion from the past week-

Fabio's wild starfish hunt.

(Obviously you can see from the photo below that he was successful.)

The whole thing started with a regular trip to the harbor,
nothing out of the ordinary there.
We went just to pass the time, look at boats, and window shop...
that is, until Fabio spotted the all too appealing starfish in the water below.
Our leisurely trip to the harbor turned into a full blown starfish hunt.
He quickly decided that his aquarium would just not be complete without one.
For about 2 hours, wheels spun in Fabio's head about just how to catch one of these wild creatures.
A bucket and some rope, it was decided, would do the trick.
The water (and the starfish) was about 10 feet below the edge of the harbor's dock.
Carefully, and swiftly, after these items had been acquired, Fabio climbed down to the water,
(we found a ladder that reached the water's edge),
where low and behold, he caught this untamed, ferocious, starfish.
(Which now sits happily in his aquarium with other ferocious fish.)

OK, so I know what you are thinking now-
What about the food? I have yet to post anything about food in this novel of a post.
Well my friends, let me just say,
 that you have not actually tasted pasta until you have had homemade pasta.
HOMEMADE PASTA!?
I didn't even know there was such a thing!
But, there is. And it is, in fact, like any other homemade dish-
198943 times better than any store bought food.
(And this is only HALF of what we ate!)

Cristina's mother prepared a fettuccine lunch for us, and the rest of her family.

It was a beautiful lunch, and a beautiful day.

Cristina's sister and her baby, Gabrielle, were there, which made it all the more beautiful.

Beach Babies girls, I know you will appreciate this...

Look a that blue eyed beauty!

Doesn't that smile just make you melt!?

And so much personality for a little three month old!

Beautiful baby boy, I can't wait to watch him grow over the next few months! <3

Lastly, while I missed Thanksgiving in the states :( :( :( ,
Cristina and I have been preparing our own Thanksgiving here in Italia!
It was scheduled to be this past Saturday, but unfortunately we have had to postpone it for a week or two. Apparently getting a turkey in Italy is not as easy as going to the store and picking one up...haha.
Not to mention, their ovens are about half the size of our ovens back in the US...
not ideal for turkey cooking!
So, for our Thanksgiving day feast, we settled on the next best thing...nachos, burritos, and beer!!
Irish beer to be exact...which surprisingly complements mexican food quite well!

I was sure that mexican food would be hard to come by in Italy,

which is why I stuffed my face with it before I came here.

Only to find that they do in fact sell tortillas, and beans, and enough ingredients for me to make what you could, at least, call a pseudo-burrito.

Now, you may think I am crazy for passing up authentic Italian cuisine for a Mexican menu,

but don't you worry, Italian is of course, my preferred choice.

But there is something comforting about the idea that I can still make a bean and cheese burrito,

even when I am thousands of miles from home.

As I am nearing my third week of my journey,

if there is one thing I can say I have learned about Italians since I have been here,

is that they are a truly determined and ambitious crowd.

It seems as though they live by the saying:

"where there's a will, there's a way".

They are optimistic in every sense,

strong willed, and outspoken.
Lazy does not exist in their vocabulary.

From their strong religious beliefs, to Fabio's wild starfish hunt,
to Crisina's mother's homemade fettuccine...

it seems as though this is proving to be a common trait among all the people I meet.
Admirable, and I can only hope that it rubs off on me!!

This week, while it has been fun-filled, exciting, and adventurous,
I've had my first taste of homesickness.
I knew it wouldn't take long, and I know it's not going to get any easier.
I miss my family, and my friends, and my puppy,
so much.
But, I've also been overwhelmed with the feeling that I am exactly where I should be,
 at exactly the time I should be here.
While I am still not sure what I am going to find on this adventure,
I am already learning new things about myself.
I am already becoming aware of what is really important in life,
and how to better appreciate it.
I know that there is much, much, more to learn,
and that I have only just now embarked on the tip of the iceberg.
But, despite the already present homesickness,
I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Well, there's just a little peek into my soul for ya ;)

So my friends,
Until next time...

peace, love, and HOMEMADE Pasta!!!
Ciao!
<3